Consecration of the New Ministry Center
In the summer of 2019, our church began the process of clearing the land for the building of the Ministry Center as part of the Growing Together with God initiative to expand spaces for ministry on our campus. We gathered on Sunday, August 11, 2019 to offer a blessing over the land and to ask God's favor and guidance as we sought to follow God's leading to continue to open-up and welcome even more members of our congregation and our community at large into the Lord's dwelling place here at Point Washington UMC. Today, just a little more than two years later, we celebrate the completion of the Ministry Center and consecrate its use for the Kingdom of God.
Greeting
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it.
Declaration of Purpose
Dear friends, this building, which by the favor of God and human labor has been so far completed, embodies the obligation of each generation to impart its treasures of wisdom and knowledge to the generation following. For the fulfillment of this task we need not only the best we can do but above all the blessing of almighty God.
Let us, therefore, bring praise for God's aid in this undertaking, giving thanks for those who, by their gifts of their service, shall unite in fulfilling the purpose for which this building is prepared.
A Reading from Joshua 4:4-9
Joshua called for the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one man per tribe. Joshua said to them, "Cross over into the middle of the Jordan, up to the Lord your God's chest. Each of you, lift up a stone on his shoulder to match the number of the tribes of the Israelites. This will be a symbol among you. In the future your children may ask, 'What do these stones mean to you?' Then you will tell them that the water of the Jordan was cut off before the Lord's covenant chest. When it crossed over the Jordan, the water of the Jordan was cut off. These stones will be an enduring memorial for the Israelites."
The Israelites did exactly what Joshua ordered. They lifted twelve stones from the middle of the Jordan, matching the number of the tribes of the Israelites, exactly as the Lord had said to Joshua. They brought them over to the camp and put them down there. Joshua also set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan where the feet of the priests had stood while carrying the covenant chest. They are still there today.
Gathering the Stones
As a sign of our prayers and gifts to follow God's leading, we gather the stones we distributed over two years ago. They will be mounted and preserved here at the Ministry Center as a symbol of God's faithfulness and our commitment to follow where God leads. Thank you to all of those who have given and worked to make this new Ministry Center possible.
Presentation of the Building
Members of the Building Committee
Member of the Growing Together with God capital campaign
Members of the Board of Trustees
District Superintendent Rev. Jean Tippit
We present this building to be consecrated to the glory of almighty God and for service in the preparation of God's people for discipleship.
Act of Consecration
Dear friends, it is with joy that we gather to consecrate this building.
But the consecration of this building is in vain without the consecration of those whose gifts it represents.
Let us give ourselves anew to the service of God:
our minds, that they may be renewed after the image of Christ;
our bodies, that they may be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit;
and our labors, that they may be according to God's will,
and that their fruit may glorify God's name and serve God's eternal purposes.
Cutting of the Ribbon
Closing Prayer
Almighty God,
hear us who gather here to consecrate ourselves to your service.
Grant that those who come here,
whether as leaders or participants,
may come with inquiring minds, honest purpose,
and steadfast endeavor to do your holy will.
We give thanks to you for all your servants, by whose love and devotion
we have come into our great inheritance of health, truth, and faith.
Help us guard this treasure, be blessed by it, nurture it,
and pass it on to the coming generation, that they may serve you;
in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
we consecrate this building.
To the spiritual enrichment of all who shall come here seeking knowledge,
we consecrate this building.
To the loyal service of those whose training and devotion have prepared them to lead people, young and old, toward the truth of Jesus Christ,
we consecrate this building.
To that ministry of administration upon whose ability and faithfulness depends the wise conduct of our life together and our ministry in the world,
we consecrate this building;
and we consecrate ourselves anew to that service of humanity
in which we perform the true service of God.